Player Quotes - 12/5

Post-practice quotes from RB Trent Richardson and QB Brandon Weeden.

(On what a couple of victories does for the confidence of the team)- “For the younger guys that haven’t started winning yet in the NFL, we’re just getting our confidence up in the league. For the vets, they are just like, ‘We’ve got to keep going. We can’t get satisfied with it.’ That’s one thing we’re trying to learn as a rookie group, that we can’t get satisfied with it. For us, we’ve just got to keep on trucking.”

(On what it is like to finally be able to talk about victories instead of close losses)- “It’s always nice to talk about victories no matter what. If it’s an ugly win or a bad win, no matter it’s always good to talk about victories. We’ve still got a lot to conquer and stuff like that. We’ve still got a lot of goals to reach. We’re still going and we’re still trying to get to where we want to be. We haven’t gotten there yet, we’ve still got a lot to put together, but we know we’re on the right page.”

(On Montario Hardesty bring a change of pace)- “With Hardesty, when he comes into the game he does a tremendous job. When I’m out I have no worries at all when he’s in the game. I think it is a change of pace when he gets in the game. He’s very quick and he hits the hole real hard. He’s one of those guys who is not going to be taken down by one player. When he gets in there I think it’s a whole other flavor. He’s always getting positive yards and breaking long runs so I am happy when he does go in.”

(On if Josh Gordon understands how dominant he can be)- “Yeah, absolutely. I think he’s not all the way there yet, and I think he would tell you that, but I think he’s starting to get a feel for what he can do. The sky is the limit for that guy. The guy is talented, he’s tall, he’s long, he’s fast, and he catches the ball well. He does all the things you want. Consistency is always the thing you talk about with guys that separate themselves from the rest of the pack as far as receivers. Consistency is the big thing. He’s been consistent for the most part. He’s messed up on a couple things, but that’s part of playing the position. Trust me, I’ve messed up plenty too, and so did Trent (Richardson) and so has everybody else. I’m glad he’s on our side to sum it all up.”

(On the offensive line’s protection this year)- “I think it’s been better than outstanding. I think those guys have played well week in and week out. They have been the most consistent unit probably on this entire football team. That’s hard for me to say because of the defense. Offensively, those guys, they make everything go. Trent (Richardson) is having a great year, but protection wise I’m speaking for myself, I’ve stayed off the ground. They’ve given me time to throw. They have picked up blitzes. They prepare well. Coach (George) Warhop is an unbelievable offensive line coach. We’ve seen every look. They see every look before practice. Coach Warhop does a great job with those guys. I can’t stress it enough how well they’ve played. Those guys have been remarkable for however many games we’ve played. They’ve been unbelievable.”

(On why the tight ends are flourishing this year)- “Because they are freaks, that’s it. Ben Watson, obviously, he’s been in the league for a long time. He’s unbelievable. Matchups on linebackers, running shallow crossing routes, running deep crossing routes, the guy is unbelievable. It doesn’t look like he’s moving as fast as he is, but he’s pulling away from guys. He’s great. Jordan Cameron, I would say most guys would say he’s probably the most athletic guy in the locker room. The guy is a mismatch. He did a lot of underneath stuff. You can throw it in a 10 foot radius and the guys going to catch it. You have to get him involved. I didn’t have those at Oklahoma State, so I’m just now learning how to use those. They are a nice asset for a quarterback, especially those two guys. They have been outstanding all season long.”

(On the team’s confidence level coming off of two wins)- “I think it’s definitely on the way up. We’re 4-8 and guys are still coming to work enthusiastic. Guys are excited about the opportunity. Obviously, we’re on an uphill climb because we put ourselves in the situation. We’re playing these last four games for the last four games. I think attitudes have been great. That’s all you can ask, especially this late in the year. Some guys will hit a wall, but I don’t see it. We’re hungry and it makes it more fun to come to work every day.”